Can You Mount a TV Above a Fireplace? What to Know Before You Drill
Updated: 1d
Yes, you can mount a TV above a fireplace, and done right it can look amazing. The fireplace is often the natural focal point of a living room, so putting the TV above it frees up floor space and keeps the room clean and open.
But it is not the same as hanging a TV on a regular wall. Heat, viewing height, brick or stone, and hidden wires all change the job. Before you grab a drill, here is what you need to know to mount a TV above a fireplace safely, and how to decide if it is the right spot for your home.
1. Heat: the first thing to check
Heat is the biggest concern when you put a TV above a fireplace. TVs are electronics, and constant heat rising from a fire can shorten their life or damage the screen over time.
How to check it:
Read your TV manual to find its maximum operating temperature.
Read your fireplace manual for the recommended clearance above the unit and what can be installed there.
Not sure? Ask a professional. A TV installer can check the wall and recommend the safest setup before anything is drilled.
Ways to protect your TV:
A mantel is your best friend. It deflects heat away from the wall and the screen.
Leave space between the top of the fireplace and the bottom of the TV.
Use the fireplace mostly for ambiance with lower flames, especially with wood-burning fireplaces.
If your wall gets very hot even with a mantel, a different wall may be the smarter choice.
2. Height: avoiding "neck strain" TV
The most common complaint after putting a TV above a fireplace is that it sits too high. When you are seated, the most comfortable view is with the center of the screen close to eye level. Above a fireplace, the TV usually ends up several feet higher than that.
The good news is there are mounts made for this:
Tilting mount: angles the screen down toward your couch, so you see a clearer picture with less glare and less neck strain.
Pull-down mount: lets you lower the TV to eye level when you watch, then push it back up when you are done. It is the best option for tall fireplaces.
Full-motion mount: swivels and extends, useful if you watch from different spots in the room.
A quick tip: before you drill, tape a piece of cardboard the size of your TV to the wall and sit on your couch for a few minutes. If it already feels too high, plan for a tilting or pull-down mount.
3. How to mount a TV on a brick fireplace
Many Kansas City homes have brick or stone fireplaces, and they can hold a TV very securely. You just need the right tools and hardware, because regular drywall screws and anchors will not work.
What a brick or stone install requires:
A hammer drill and masonry bits to drill clean holes without cracking the brick.
Masonry anchors or sleeve anchors rated for the weight of your TV and mount.
Solid brick, not crumbling mortar. Old or loose mortar joints will not hold the weight long term.
Careful measuring and leveling, because mistakes leave permanent holes in the brick.
Brick is also where a lot of DIY projects go wrong. A cracked brick or an anchor that pulls out can mean a damaged fireplace and a TV on the floor. If you are not comfortable drilling into masonry, this is a good job to leave to a professional.
4. Mounting a TV over a gas fireplace
Gas fireplaces are popular in newer homes, and many people assume they are safer for a TV than wood-burning ones. Some are, but it depends on the model and how it vents.
Before mounting a TV over a gas fireplace:
Check the fireplace manual for wall clearance and the recommended space above the unit.
Know how it vents. Some units push heat up and out toward the wall, right where the TV would go.
Have a professional check the wall if you are not sure how warm it gets.
Look for a mantel or heat deflector if the wall gets warm.
If everything checks out, a gas fireplace can be a great spot for a TV.
5. Hiding the wires above a fireplace
Nothing ruins a clean fireplace TV setup like cords hanging down over the mantel. Hiding wires above a fireplace is trickier than on a regular wall, because there may be a chimney, flue or brick behind the surface.
Your main options:
In-wall power kit: a recessed outlet behind the TV with cables run inside the wall. It looks the cleanest, but regular TV power cords are not rated to run inside a wall, so use a kit made for this.
Cord cover (raceway): a paintable channel that runs along the wall or the side of the fireplace. It is the best option for brick or stone, where you cannot run cables inside.
Running cables to the side: routing HDMI and power to a nearby cabinet or media console, so only a short cord is visible.
If you need a new outlet behind the TV, that is electrical work, and it should be done safely and to code.
DIY or hire a pro?
Hanging a TV over a fireplace is one of those jobs that looks simple until you start. Between heat, height, masonry, studs and wiring, there are a lot of ways for a weekend project to turn into a cracked brick or a TV that is crooked, too high or unsafe.
A professional TV mounting service brings:
The right mount for your fireplace and viewing distance
Masonry tools and anchors rated for your TV
Clean cable concealment options
A secure, level install, usually done in a couple of hours
Ready to mount your TV above the fireplace? Will will do It provides professional TV mounting in Overland Park, Olathe, Shawnee, Parkville and the surrounding Kansas City metro area, including brick and stone fireplaces and hidden-wire setups.
Frequently asked questions
Is it bad to put a TV above a fireplace? Not if the wall stays cool enough and the TV is mounted at a comfortable angle. Test the heat first and use a tilting or pull-down mount if the TV will sit high.
How high should a TV be above a fireplace? As low as the fireplace and mantel allow, while leaving space for heat to escape. Tilting the screen down helps a lot when it has to sit higher.
Can you hang a TV over a fireplace with a brick front? Yes. Brick holds a TV very well when you use a hammer drill, masonry bits and anchors rated for the weight.
Is a gas fireplace safe for a TV above it? Often, yes. Check the fireplace manual for clearances and do a heat test before mounting.
Can you hide the wires on a brick fireplace? Running wires inside brick usually is not possible, but a paintable cord cover or routing cables to the side keeps the setup clean.
